By Ray Balogh
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — All too soon, they will leave for more advanced academic pursuits, heads justifiably held high. But the staff and administrators of Wawasee High School will make sure they are not quickly forgotten.

Fifty-nine seniors were feted at the Academic Hall of Fame banquet Thursday, April 28, in the school’s cafeteria. So were their parents, whom Athletic Director Brent Doty hailed as “the best of the best.”

Geoff Walmer, the high school’s principal, was lavish in his kudos for all concerned. “This senior class has been really special because of what you have been through. I just want you to know how very proud I am of every student here,” he said, extending his acclaims to the parents, school corporation staff and the Wawasee community.

Teacher Jeff Phillips made clear the evening’s goodbyes were not final. “This is not the end of a relationship,” he said.

“We are here for you to give you anything you need in the future. Feel free to give us a call if you need something in college,” he said before his final send-off: “You are ready and you should know that.”

Qualifications for induction into the Hall of Fame were, “a cumulative grade point average of at least 10 points by the end of their 11th trimester, on a 12-point scale,” according to Walmer.

Each student chose a teacher, coach or staff member who had the most influence on that student. Speaking to those honorees, Walmer said, “They chose you because of what you mean to them, and it usually has nothing to do with academics.”

He recalled his own experience with his Grace College math professor, Jim Lesko, who stood out as a vital influence on his career.

“Without him, I would not be standing here as a former teacher and now as principal. He recognized my heart as an educator and not as a math genius,” he said, calling out Lesko, who was in attendance with his daughter, Serena, one of the evening’s student honorees.

The students each wrote a letter to their respective chosen mentor and handed-delivered that letter when they came forward to receive their Hall of Fame plaque.

It is hardly any wonder the students excelled during their tutelage at the high school. Ingredients of their success included natural ability, innate curiosity, hard work and a cadre of role models who exemplified the spirit of excellence and selflessness.

Walmer provided an example of that servant-leader spirit after the event had concluded. While students, parents and school staff happily chatted in scattered groups, Walmer was rolling out a garbage can and helping to clear tables.

He revealed his altruism as an ingrained part of his nature by shrugging off a compliment with smile and a simple, “It’s what we do.”

Following are the student inductees, with the names of their parent(s), college selection, major and the teacher or coach they chose to honor:

Kennedi Adkins, Randy and Sherri Adkins, Purdue University, political science, Sarah Fredericks.

Blaine Baut, Steven and Michelle Baut, IUPUI, business, Vince Rhodes.

Amber Beer, Randy and Deb Beer, Owens Community College, occupational therapy assistance, Anne Mangas.

Lillian Beer, Matthew and Alyssa Beer, Purdue Fort Wayne, middle school education, Amanda Wilson.

Nicole Beer, Kevin Beer and the late Laurie Beer, undecided, professional flight, Elizabeth Long.

Jada Carter, Kristi Carter and Brian Carter, Purdue, general engineering, John Szynal.

Taylor Castro, Ronnie and Tonya Castro, IUSB, business, Jaimi Andrew.

Kendra Conley, Brent and Kyra Conley, undecided, medical imaging, Randi Warren.

Connor Coy, Melissa Kitson and Nathan Coy, Purdue Fort Wayne, computer science, no teacher mentioned.

Taylor Cripe, Andy and Susan Cripe, DePauw, English literature and marketing, Jordan Fredericks.

Whitney DeLong, Kimberly Strawbridge and David DeLong, IUPUI, neuroscience, Jill Shock.

Lindsay Doss, Ray and Gidget Doss, Butler University, engineering, Kim McCreary.

Tara Dove, Heather Sizemore, undecided, undecided, no teacher mentioned.

Keaton Dukes, Kyle and Mindy Dukes, Purdue Fort Wayne, business and sports marketing, Jon Everingham.

Colten Edgar, Ryan and Jamie Edgar, Trine University, software engineer, Kristin Bonner.

Allyson Eppert, Dave and Amanda Eppert, Butler University, exploratory studies, Sara Pickler.

Jordan Gibbs, David and Jackie Gibbs, University of Findlay, pharmacy, Jace Stewart.

Alissa Gill, Mike and Jeli Gill, Indiana University, business, Stefani Wuthrich.

Ben Haines, Tim and Nancy Haines, Purdue University, meteorology, Cherie Sweatland.

Emily Haines, Brian and Vicki Haines, Ball State University, elementary education, Daniel Wray.

Kelsey Harper, Ryan and Candice Harper, Purdue University, marketing, Paige Keim.

Devin Haskins, Ron and Pam Haskins, Purdue University, marketing, Brent Doty.

Leina Helfers, Jeff and Michelle Helfers, Purdue University, science education, Joan Harden.

Mariah Hurst, Jeremy and Sarah Hurst, Trine University, exercise science, Mr. Doug Slabaugh.

Kaitlynn Jackson, Eric and Amanda Jackson, Ball State University, architecture, Kristen Records.

Brynn Jamora, Priscilla Brown and Anthony Jamora, Indiana University, media (film, TV and digital) and Spanish, Dana Knapp.

Kai Jamora, Priscilla Brown and Anthony Jamora, Indiana University, earth and atmospheric science, Gena Fowble.

Zeke Keim, Tim and Paige Keim, Trine University, mechanical engineering, Allen Coblentz.

Jenna Knepp, Jason and Lisa Knepp, Indiana Wesleyan, nursing, Sarah Holsopple.

Arrington Krull, Shawn and Lissa Krull, Purdue University, farm management and agronomy, Mariah Roberts.

Cameron Kryder, Colleen Kryder and the late Andy Kryder, undecided, undecided, Craig Briner.

Talia Kuhl, Nicole and Phillip Feldman, Purdue Fort Wayne, environmental engineering, Paula Fiscus.

Devon Kuhn, Michael Kuhn, Carthage College, nursing and Spanish, Mitch Willaman.

Serena Lesko, James and Colleen Lesko, Word of Life Bible Institute, dietetics, Mindy Coblentz.

Anny Lin, Chuan Zhong Lin and WenPing Wang, Syracuse University, foreign language, Suzanne Lucas.

McKenzie Long, Joseph and Elizabeth Long, Indiana University, business administration, Amy Miller.

Annabelle Luttrell, Angela Luttrell and Terry Luttrell, Western Kentucky University, electrical engineering, Nathan O’Connell.

Alex Martinez, Celestino and Maria Martinez, Purdue University, business engineering, Chris Dykhuisen.

Elizabeth Miller, Jeremy and Chris Miller, Indiana University Fort Wayne, nursing, John Snyder.

Abigayle Murphy, Tiffin and Jennifer Murphy, undecided, undecided, teacher not mentioned.

Kaden Phillips, Alison Phillips and Timothy Phillips, Purdue University, history, Jed Wandland.

Mason Possell, Steve and Melissa Possell, Indiana University, entrepreneurship, Jordan Sharp.

Camden Powell, Derek and Tisha Powell, Purdue University, business management, Bill Lantz.

Brittany Price, Jeremy and Heide Price, Purdue Fort Wayne, accounting, Ashley Peterson.

Tim Shortt, Ron Shortt and Tara Koch, Purdue Fort Wayne, biology, Frank Bumgardener.

Gloria Slabaugh, James and Mary Slabaugh, Ball State University, psychology, Molly Hunter.

Becca Smith, Randy and Michelle Smith, IUPUI, business, Matt Carpenter.

Elena Sommers, Anthony and Amy Sommers, undecided, undecided, teacher not mentioned.

Isabel Speicher, Michaela Speicher and Eric Speicher, Kelly School of Business, accounting, Jon Reutebuch.

Quintin Spitzmacher, Gregory and Kristin Abbs, Purdue University, business management, Nicholas Feldman.

Jackson Stover, Chelsea Stover, Trine University, mechanical engineering, Lori Hickman.

Macey Swearingen, Angela Swearingen, Purdue Fort Wayne, general studies, Codey Holliday.

Ayla Torres, Carlos and Amanda Torres, Indiana University, biology – pre-med, Jennifer McKinney.

Devin Van Lue, Jeremy and Shawna Van Lue, Ball State University, music education, Kris Stump.

Leslie Vazquez, Jose and Nelida Vazquez, undecided, business, Jeff Phillips.

Leslie Wheat, Michael and Renee Wheat, Oakland Community College, library services and technology, Sara Harrison.

Sophia Wilkinson, Matt and Emelyn Wilkinson, Ivy Tech Community College, undecided, Zach Netzley.

Leo Wrage, Christine Littlefield, Manchester University, biochemistry and finance, Ryan Edgar.

Sarah Yoder, Hugh Yoder and Michelle Kuntz, undecided, undecided, Tracy Walesa.